Our team at RTYDS was incredibly saddened to hear about the recent passing of Sir Michael Boyd.

We will remember with fondness Sir Michael’s long-lasting impact on the landscape of theatre, as the Artistic Director of the RSC and working in regional theatres all over the country, including Sheffield Theatres and Belgrade Theatre.

We are grateful for his longstanding support as a patron of RTYDS.

Back in 2014, Sir Michael said:

“I am a patron of the Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme because I know its benefit personally, I participated in the scheme in 1980. In 2009 when the RTYDS looked set to close due to the loss of a significant sponsor, the RSC provided funding to ensure the scheme could continue.

I encouraged supporting the scheme in this way because I believe it offers the highest standard of training in theatre directing and I believe this is fundamental in improving the quality of theatre in the UK. I am extremely impressed by how the scheme is expanding to offer opportunities for people from under-represented communities who may not think theatre is for them.”

Our deepest condolences to all of Sir Michael’s family and loved ones.